“I think at least for the next fight it’s probably impossible,” Rafael said to Fight Hub TV. “I don’t know anybody that wants to go out there and make a splash by signing these two top guys and then suddenly do something that’s not on your platform.”

Haney’s recent move to DAZN and Shakur’s signing with Zuffa Boxing have only made the fight more difficult to put together. With Zuffa’s U.S. events expected to stream on Paramount+, the two champions now compete under different promotional and broadcast umbrellas before financial terms even enter the discussion.

Broadcast platforms are only part of the challenge. Rafael noted that Zuffa CEO Dana White has repeatedly said he has no interest in working with rival promoters, making cooperation with DAZN even more difficult. He pointed to Ryan Garcia’s upcoming fight with Conor Benn as an example of how complicated cross-platform arrangements can become.

Weight remains another obstacle. Shakur currently holds Ring Magazine and WBO titles at light welterweight, while Haney owns the WBO welterweight championship. Public exchanges between the two centered on Stevenson seeking a catchweight below the full 147-pound limit, while Haney’s camp has insisted any bout take place at welterweight.

One obstacle disappears if Shakur eventually moves to welterweight. Rafael expects that transition to happen in the not-too-distant future, making a fight with Haney much easier to arrange.

“There’s zero doubt in my mind,” Rafael said. “It may not be in the next fight, but certainly in the not too distant future, Shakur Stevenson will be a welterweight and will probably be contesting for welterweight titles and probably win one and continue on his path to greatness.”